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krissysbooked's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sorry Del Ray... you sent me this one a while ago and I only just got around to reading it. In my defense, this is a fun horror suspense novel and we're about to enter Spooky season so I'm reading it at the right time of year!
We start the book following Mack, a homeless person, who is being offered an opportunity to win $50k by taking part in a competition. Money that would see her gaining monetary security that she hasn't had in a long time. She wants time to think about the offer but is ultimately guided (forced?) into it.
We pick up the story with Mack being transported on a bus to an undisclosed location with a group of 13 others - a mix of 'influencers' and others like her who have hidden and traumatic pasts. They soon start to figure each other out as they are introduced to the competition space where they have a base camp, some basic supplies, and no cell service. Their only objective is to hide each day between sunrise and sunset, two of them will be found and eliminated from the game each day.
We are then taken on a suspenseful joruney over the following days where Macks past is coming back to haunt her, we find the contestants have more in common than they think, and we find out that maybe (just maybe) this isn't actually a game after all. All set to the back drop of a creepy, overgrown, disused fairground... perfect!
Kiersten White has weaved an intriguing, suspenseful story, that kept me guessing and changing my mind right up to the end. A complex cast of characters had me judging all of them for different reasons and then realising how complex they each were. You can never truly judge a book by its cover.
There are characters that you will love, others that you will hate, and quite a few who fall into the in-between. There are stories of betrayal, friendship, and even love and the extent people will go to, to protect those they care about. Despite being a 'horror' story on the face of it, this story has it all and even if you aren't a horror fan I think you'll enjoy this one.
The ending was wrapped up nicely but with a sliver of hope for a sequel, and I'd love to see what happens next.
Verdict: A complex horror that is perfect for spooky season (despite being set in summer!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Trafficking, Torture, Child abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
amandarin's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Great story - super easy to follow because of the lovely writing style. Cast of characters is diverse and varied - there is someone for everyone to relate to. Loved the little reveals as the book went on and going back and re-reading sections with the new information just made it so much cooler. Eg: this last name meant that this person was connected to this person. Ending was satisfying without enough room for a potential sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Domestic abuse, Murder, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Suicide, and Trafficking
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